Black history is inseparable from the history of land, agriculture, and food in the United States. Black communities have continuously shaped how food is grown, shared, and protected for centuries.
At DUG, Black History Month is a time to reflect on these legacies and to recommit ourselves to building a more just and inclusive food system.
Black Leadership in Food Justice
Throughout history, Black farmers and organizers have used food and land as tools for survival, resistance, and community care. From freedom gardens during the Civil Rights Movement to today’s urban agriculture and mutual aid networks, food has been a pathway to self-determination.
These efforts weren’t just about growing food; they were about growing power, dignity, and collective resilience in the face of systemic barriers.
Why Land and Access Matter
Black farmers have faced generations of land loss, discrimination, and exclusion from agricultural resources. These inequities continue to shape who has access to land, fresh food, and green spaces today.
Community gardens help address these disparities by creating shared spaces where neighbors can grow food, build relationships, and reconnect with the land, especially in communities historically denied these opportunities.
DUG’s Commitment
At DUG, we believe gardens are more than plots of land. They are places of belonging, learning, and collective care. Honoring Black history means acknowledging past and present inequities while continuing to work toward food systems rooted in justice and access.
This month, and every month, we are grateful for the Black gardeners, volunteers, educators, and partners who help our community grow stronger and thrive.
How to Honor Black History Month
- Support Black-led food and environmental justice organizations
- Learn about Black farmers, growers, and organizers in your community
- Advocate for equitable access to land, food, and green spaces
- Get involved in community gardening and mutual aid efforts
Growing a more just future means honoring the roots that made it possible.
- https://gardenforwildlife.com/blogs/learning-center/gardening-for-liberation-the-legacy-of-black-gardeners-and-gardens?srsltid=AfmBOoqwPbhXUfq0OsZBzAdtogIaMw9SbV2RiicX98ak1L9v5Tmknbjw
- https://www.colorado.edu/studentlife/resources-and-organizations-bipoc-communities
- https://resilience.si.edu/story/gardens-of-resilience-african-american-food-horticulture
- https://blackfarmersindex.com/region-8-colorado
